China loves the iPhone Air: Sold out in just a few hours

The iPhone Air sold out in China shortly after its launch. Pre-orders had barely opened when both Apple and the official Tmall flagship store announced that several models were no longer available. According to a report in the South China Morning Post, the new smartphone was sold out within hours—a clear sign of the high demand for Apple's latest device.

The launch of the iPhone Air in China was delayed due to regulatory hurdles. Only after official approval of eSIM technology, which replaces physical SIM cards, was Apple able to offer the model on the Chinese market. Since the release, excitement has been high, and the response was swift: pre-orders sold out in no time.

Sales start at record pace

Pre-orders for the iPhone Air began in China on Friday, and the device was sold out within just a few hours. According to a report by the South China Morning Post, demand spiked immediately after pre-orders began. Several color and storage variants were no longer available on Apple's online store and the official Tmall flagship store within the first two hours. Prices start at 7,999 yuan, equivalent to approximately $1,122. Demand in China was even higher than at the launch in Western markets.

Delayed launch due to lack of eSIM approval

The iPhone Air began shipping worldwide in September. However, the launch in mainland China was delayed because approval for the eSIM feature was still pending. This technology replaces the physical SIM card with an integrated digital solution, allowing smartphones to be thinner and more compact.

In China, its use was previously prohibited, which is why Apple was initially unable to offer the model there. Only now has the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) officially approved eSIM testing for smartphones.

Network operators receive approval

With the MIIT's decision, Chinese users can, for the first time, activate a mobile phone number without inserting a physical SIM card. The three major network operators, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, confirmed this week that they have received approval for commercial operation. This means that nothing stands in the way of eSIM technology in China – and the iPhone Air can finally launch.

High demand and technological curiosity

The high demand for the iPhone Air demonstrates Chinese consumers' strong interest in new technologies. Many have been waiting for smartphones that do not require a physical SIM card. The iPhone Air fulfills precisely these expectations: a modern, sleek design combined with the new eSIM feature and the familiar Apple quality.

The concept of the "Air" series—known from the MacBook Air and iPad Air—stands for lightness and elegance. Apple is now consistently applying this design principle to an iPhone for the first time. Combined with technological advances, this has further boosted the launch in China.

Significance for the Chinese market

The success of the iPhone Air is a signal. China is one of the most important and demanding smartphone markets in the world. The fact that Apple sold out within a few hours demonstrates the strong brand loyalty and confidence in the quality of its products.

At the same time, the launch marks the beginning of a new phase: eSIM technology is likely to become standard in more and more devices in the future. Industry experts expect other manufacturers to soon follow suit to keep up with Apple's pace.

iPhone Air marks the start of a new smartphone era in China

The iPhone Air's launch in China was a resounding success. After a delayed launch due to eSIM approval, Apple was finally able to bring the new model to market – and the response was overwhelming. The device sold out within hours, and demand remains high. With the iPhone Air, Apple is once again setting standards in design, technology, and user experience. The introduction of the eSIM feature in China is more than just a technical detail: It represents the beginning of a new era in the smartphone market – and the iPhone Air is leading this transformation. (Image: Shutterstock / Hsin Yen Huang)